The Farm medicine chest

Foot Rot (Interdigital Necrobacillosis)

Susceptible Breeds:

• Angus
• Simmental
• Gelbvieh

Symptoms:

• Lameness, swelling between the hooves
• Foul-smelling discharge
• Fever in severe cases

Causes & Risk Factors:

• Wet, muddy, or manure-laden environments
• Sharp rocks or stubble injuries to the hoof
• Zinc or sulfur deficiency

Treatment:

• Antibiotics:
  • Oxytetracycline (LA-200)
  • Florfenicol (Nuflor)
  • Ceftiofur (Excenel, Excede)
• Topical Treatments: Kopertox or iodine solutions
• Hoof Trimming: If infected tissue is present
• Prevention:

• Provide dry areas and proper drainage in pens
• Rotate pastures to reduce muddy conditions
• Supplement zinc and sulfur in mineral mix
• Use foot baths (copper sulfate or formalin) for confined cattle

C. Cancer Eye (Ocular Squamous Cell Carcinoma)

Susceptible Breeds:

• Hereford (most vulnerable)
• Charolais

Symptoms:

• Tumor or lesion on the eye
• Cloudy or ulcerated cornea
• Watery discharge

Causes & Risk Factors:

• UV exposure (cattle with little pigment around the eyes are more vulnerable)
• Viral infections that weaken immune response

Treatment:

• Early Cases: Cryotherapy (freezing lesions)
• Advanced Cases: Surgical removal of the affected eye
• Pain Relief: Flunixin meglumine (Banamine)

Prevention:

• Select cattle with pigmented (dark) eyelids
• Provide shade in summer months
• Reduce eye irritation (fly control)

D. Bloat (Ruminal Tympany)

Susceptible Breeds:

• Simmental
• Gelbvieh
• High-performance beef breeds with fast weight gain

Symptoms:

• Distended left side of the abdomen
• Discomfort, restlessness, difficulty breathing
• Excessive drooling

Causes & Risk Factors:

• Consumption of lush, legume-heavy pasture (alfalfa, clover)
• Rapid diet changes
• Overfeeding grain

Treatment:

• Oral Antifoaming Agents:
  • Poloxalene (Therabloat) for frothy bloat
  • Mineral oil for mild cases
• Emergency: Trocar (puncture release) if severe gas buildup occurs
• Pain Relief: Flunixin meglumine (Banamine)

Prevention:

• Provide dry hay before turning cattle onto lush pasture
• Gradually introduce new feed sources
• Use bloat-reducing supplements (Poloxalene in mineral mix)

E. Respiratory Diseases (Bovine Respiratory Disease Complex – BRD)

Susceptible Breeds:

• Calves in confinement (all breeds but especially Simmental)

Symptoms:

• Fever, nasal discharge, coughing
• Labored breathing
• Depressed, off-feed cattle

Causes & Risk Factors:

• Stress from transportation (shipping fever)
• Sudden weather changes
• Viral and bacterial infections (Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, IBR virus)

Treatment:

• Antibiotics:
  • Tulathromycin (Draxxin)
  • Florfenicol (Nuflor)
  • Enrofloxacin (Baytril)
• Anti-Inflammatory: Flunixin meglumine (Banamine)

Prevention:

• Vaccination (Bovishield Gold, Inforce 3 for viral components)
• Minimize stress during transport and handling
• Ensure good ventilation in barns and pens

Essential Medications & Supplies for Ranchers

Antibiotics:

• Oxytetracycline (LA-200, Bio-Mycin) – for pinkeye, foot rot, respiratory diseases
• Florfenicol (Nuflor) – for respiratory diseases, foot rot
• Ceftiofur (Excenel, Excede) – for foot rot, pneumonia
• Tulathromycin (Draxxin) – for respiratory infections

Pain Management & Anti-Inflammatories:

• Flunixin meglumine (Banamine) – for fever, pain, inflammation
• Meloxicam – for pain relief

Bloat Treatment:

• Poloxalene (Therabloat) – for frothy bloat
• Mineral oil – for minor cases

Wound & Infection Care:

• Iodine solution – for disinfecting wounds
• Terramycin eye ointment – for pinkeye treatment

Parasiticides & Fly Control:

• Ivermectin (pour-on or injectable) – for internal and external parasites
• Fly tags – to reduce pinkeye risk

Emergency Equipment:

• Trocar and cannula – for bloat
• Hoof trimmers – for foot rot prevention
• Bandages & suture kits – for injuries

Conclusion

By understanding these common cattle health issues, ranchers in the Alberta Special Areas can take proactive steps to prevent disease, treat issues promptly, and maintain a healthy and productive herd. Keeping essential medications on hand and working closely with a veterinarian for vaccination and treatment protocols will help ensure long-term success in cattle ranching.